When you are looking to purchase some practical HR software for your business, it can seem as if there are hundreds of options to choose from, and this can make it difficult to know where to start. In order to help you narrow your search down, there are certain questions that you should ask of the provider of the software. Let’s take a look:

• Will the software grow with the company?

If you have plans to expand your business in the near future, then you will want to know that you will still be able to use the software as your business grows. You should check that the software will be able to work to the extra capacity when needed, and that you won’t incur any extra expense if you need to upgrade your system. Also, if any customisation will be needed, ensure that this won’t cause any extra disruption to your business if the systems need to go down for a period.

• Is it compatible with existing systems?

If you are going to be running the HR software alongside your existing systems, then you need to make sure that the software is compatible with these systems. This means that you will not experience too much disruption once your HR software is installed and that you should be able to use it immediately alongside your existing systems.

• Are there any additional costs?

It is always worth finding out what things are included in the price of the software and what you will be charged extra for. It is unusual for suppliers to charge for software updates, but you don’t want to be caught out if this is the case. If the supplier offers regular maintenance, check that this is included in the price and that you be charged extra for it. There may be some services that you are happy to pay extra for, but it never hurts to find out exactly what it is you are paying for.

• Are updates provided as they become available?

Ideally you will want to receive any updates to the software as soon as they become available. This is standard practice for most suppliers, but some will only release updates when a problem has been reported. This is something that is always worth finding out because you don’t want to be waiting around for updates that could make the running of your business easier, especially if another supplier would provide updates immediately.

• Can the supplier provide references?

You should always look for references from businesses that are in the same industry as you, and those that are a similar size. This will give you an accurate idea of how well the software will work for you. These references may also provide information not just on how well the software works, but also how well the supplier deals with their customers. Choosing a supplier based solely on what they say they can deliver may lead to difficulties if they do not do as they promised, and getting references can help you to avoid this happening.

Even if you have a particular provider in mind, then asking these questions can help ensure that you make the right choice. It may even lead you to find software that you had not previously considered, but that is actually the perfect fit for your business.